Former Secret Service agent from St. Johns County indicted for stealing counterfeit money

JACKSONVILLE, Fla.- - A former U.S. Secret Service agent from St. Johns County is charged with stealing counterfeit currency, passing it at a gas station and later making false statements about his crimes.

Anthony Eugene Preissig, 47, faces a maximum penalty of up to 35 years in federal prison, if convicted.

The Department of Justice alleges he stole counterfeit U.S. currency that the Marion County Sheriff's Office seized and submitted to the USSS - Jacksonville office. Preissig allegedly took a counterfeit $100 bill and tried to use it at a St. Johns County gas station. He then allegedly lied to law enforcement about his crimes when confronted.

Preissig, who retired in 2012, was a USSS Special Agent assigned to investigate violations of federal criminal laws, according to a DOJ press release.

"Whenever a law enforcement officer engages in illegal activity, it erodes the public trust. Such actions by few can tarnish the badges of the many who serve to protect America each day. Corruption remains a top priority of the DHS OIG and we remain committed to holding those who violate the public's trust accountable for their illegal actions," said David Nieland, Special Agent in Charge of the Miami Field Office, Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General.